Ranvet Stakes Tips - Is this a walk in the park for Via Sistina or can a roughie push the champion?

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Via Sistina is set to line up at very short odds with most markets posting the Cox Plate (2040m) champion at the $1.40 quote after the barrier draw. 

The Chris Waller-trained mare comes into this third up after gaining the upper hand over Fangirl in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) last time, going 9.9 lengths faster than standard. 

Fawkner Park comes out of the same race and was a respectable 4th, while Golden Path led before finishing 6th. Zarakem was 8th. Fawkner Park was first up into that race and should have some improvement to come. Hard to see the other two making up the required ground. 

Lindermann stuck on well for 3rd in the Verry Elleegant Stakes and has since finished in that position behind Vauban at Group 3 level last weekend. I suspect his only chance is if Via Sistina has an off day. 

The second favourite in the market is the William Haggas-trained import, Al Mubhir. Haggas will be going for his third win in this race after preparing Addeybb in 2020 and Dubai Honour in 2023. 

Al Mubhir doesnt boast the CV that Dubai Honour has but has performed well at Group level overseas. Full Count Felicia is another from overseas, transferring from the US to the Chris Waller stables. She creates a bit of interest and might inject some speed into the race. 

Full Count Felicia is a bit of a front runner and is a strong chance to lead them up from barrier 5. Only seven runners engaged here and the likes of Golden Path and Lindermann should be prominent from Zarakem. Via Sistina draws barrier 2 and might end up on the inside of Al Mubhir. Fawkner Park will also settle back. Unless Full Count Felicia does something a bit out of the ordinary, I dont expect them to break any records early on. 

She will be at a short price but it is hard to go past Via Sistina after her heroics last spring. She was unbeaten from this time, claiming the Turnbull Stakes before her record-breaking Cox Plate triumph when going a whopping 23.4 lenghts faster than standard benchmark. Her Grand Final is the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in a couple of weeks and she might have some improvement left to come. But she clearly has the class and I am not concerned about the appearance of a couple of international gallopers. 

Golden Path represents a bit of value in terms of place betting. He faded late over the 1600m last time but his last three runs over the 2000m have been full of merit, winning twice and placing 3rd in the other behind Eliyaas and Ceolwulf last year. Those two were flying at the time. Eliyaas had form around Via Sistina and Ceolwulf was about to claim the Epsom (1600m)/ King Chales III Stakes (1600m) double. Figures from all three runs have been rock solid and he will put himself into the race towards the front.